A recent study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice has shed new light on how a very low carbohydrate diet, delivered through telemedicine, could be key to achieving long-term improvements in type 2 diabetes management.
The research followed individuals over five years, showing remarkable health improvements, including weight loss, enhanced cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, and even diabetes remission.
Participants in the study had a body mass index (BMI) above 25 and were recruited to compare continuous care interventions (CCI) with usual care.
Those in the CCI group were offered an extended three-year follow-up after an initial two-year trial.
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During the entire five-year period, participants received support through a remote care app, which provided nutritional guidance, diabetes medication management, and interaction with health coaches and physicians.
These results were achieved through a telemedicine-based intervention that guided participants to follow a strict low-carbohydrate diet aimed at achieving nutritional ketosis.
The study demonstrated high retention rates and consistent health benefits, including an average weight reduction of 7.6%, increased HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) by 17.4%, and triglycerides reduced by 18.4%.
Inflammation markers, particularly high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), dropped by 43.6%.
After five years, 20% of participants achieved diabetes remission, with 32.5% having HbA1c levels below 6.5% without the need for glucose-lowering drugs.
A notable result from the study was the significant reduction in the use of diabetes medications.
Over 46% of the medication adjustments made during the study were eliminations, rising to nearly 60% when excluding metformin.
Among those in remission after two years, nearly 58% remained in remission after five years, highlighting the durability of the intervention’s effects.
This success challenges the traditional view of type 2 diabetes as a progressive, irreversible condition.
The study underscores that remission is achievable and sustainable for many, offering hope of long-term health improvements without the need for ongoing medication.
This study’s findings surpass those of previous trials focusing on lifestyle therapies. For example, the Look AHEAD trial saw a 7.3% remission rate over four years, while the DiRECT trial achieved 13% remission over five years.
These findings align with the success seen in other low carbohydrate interventions, such as the Low Carb Program which has helped many individuals with type 2 diabetes reduce or eliminate their medication.
Those who follow the Low Carb Program have experienced significant improvements in their blood sugar control, weight, and overall health, demonstrating the power of a low-carb lifestyle in transforming diabetes care.
